BMW continues to take a bite out of the aftermarket tune market with their own mild factory tunes. Case and point, here is the new BMW M Performance Power Kit for the new 2.0 liter diesel motor which develops 180 horses in stock form. The kit raises this output number to 197 horses for a gain of 17 horsepower and torque goes from 280 lb-ft to 310 lb-ft. This motor will be available in the USA soon in various entry level models and the power kit will no doubt be available as well.

It is somewhat amusing to see BMW release mild tunes for their own motors essentially conceding they leave safe power on the table. BMW sates the tune won't affect warranty, emissions, or gas mileage. It is not aggressive as an aftermarket tune but it just goes to show the old argument of "If BMW could make more power they would" is outdated as there is a lot of money to be made for BMW charging people more for software that already exists to unlock a few horses BMW already could to begin with.

In all fairness, a new intercooler is included as well. Although we would bet the aftermarket could do better in this area as well which makes you wonder why BMW would void a warranty or discourage owners from improving on the BMW parts if they essentially admit the parts can be improved on.

One aspect is certain, they sure do know how to make money. It will be interesting to see if the higher strung N20 gasoline 2.0 liter four cylinder turbo will get a similar power kit.

From my POV this sound cheap thinking why not sell all their cars with the 2 liter twin turbo diesel that could be found only in 1 and 5 series. That's something that would worth squeezing some extra horsepower out.